The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has formally inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), describing it as a strategic milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to reposition the maritime sector as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
The inauguration, held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja, was attended by senior government officials, NPA management, and the incoming board members, signalling a renewed drive toward institutional accountability and effective governance within one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.
In his address, the minister emphasised the importance of the event in strengthening the NPA’s governance structure, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s broader reform vision for national development. He stated that the Tinubu administration remained resolute in its pursuit of reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, through measures that promote efficiency, trade facilitation, and inclusive, sustainable development.
Oyetola noted that the role of the NPA Governing Board, as defined by the enabling Act, is primarily to provide oversight and policy guidance, especially in matters related to staffing and budgeting, which are typically executed through the Staff and Establishment Committee and the Finance Committee. He, however, made it clear that the operational control of the authority lies exclusively with the managing director and the executive management team.
Quoting from Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007, the minister underscored the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between governance and management, to safeguard institutional integrity and drive performance.
He called for a harmonious relationship between the board and the management, one that is anchored on professionalism, mutual respect, and an unwavering dedication to national service.
He urged the management team to engage constructively with the board in a way that promotes transparency and shared responsibility. To the board members, the minister extended his congratulations and urged them to execute their new responsibilities with discipline, focus, and an unrelenting commitment to the national interest, adding that their leadership would be pivotal in shaping a competitive, globally aligned port system capable of advancing Nigeria’s economic goals.
Responding on behalf of the board, its chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust bestowed on him and his colleagues and extended appreciation to Oyetola for his consistent support throughout the nomination and inauguration process.
Adeyeye commended the professionalism of the Ministry’s leadership and the warm reception accorded by the NPA’s executive management, describing it as an encouraging signal of productive collaboration ahead. He applauded the diversity and depth of experience among Board members, noting that the blend of expertise would serve the NPA well in its mission to improve port operations and service delivery.
The chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to working in close partnership with the NPA’s leadership and the ministry, pledging that their actions would be guided by unity, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
He praised the minister for what he termed visionary leadership and said the board saw him not only as the supervising authority but as the head of the extended maritime “family” whose strategic guidance would shape the board’s impact. He also stressed the importance of institutional cooperation to deliver on the expectations of the Tinubu administration and the broader Nigerian public.
The newly inaugurated governing board of the NPA includes Adeyeye as chairman and Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as managing director. Other members are Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel and Dr. Mercy Ilori, who represents the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The executive directors on the board include Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, responsible for engineering and technical services; Engr. Olalekan Badmus, in charge of marine and operations and Vivian C. Richard Edet overseeing finance and administration.
With this inauguration, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy hopes to deepen institutional reforms within the ports sector and strengthen governance frameworks that align with global best practices, while ensuring that the NPA continues to play a transformative role in driving trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
